Attenuation of Collagen Induced Arthritis by Centella asiatica Methanol Fraction via Modulation of Cytokines and Oxidative Stress

Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-arthritic effects of Centello asiatica methanolfraction （CAME） on collagen-induced arthritis （ClA）, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Arthritis was induced in female wistar rats by immunization with porcine type II collagen. The CIA rats were treated orally with CaME （50, 150, and 250 mg/kg/day） for 15 d （beginning on day 21 of the experimental period）. The clinical, histological, biochemical, and immunological parameters were assessed. Results CaME treatment （150 and 250 mg/kg） significantly attenuated the severity of CIA and reduced the synovial inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone erosion as evident from both histological and radiographic data. The escalated plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 alongwith nitric oxide in CIA rats decreased significantly on CaME treatment. The serum levels of type-Ⅱ collagen antibody were significantly lower in rats of CaME （150 and 250 mg/kg） treated group than those in the arthritic group. Furthermore, by inhibiting the above mediators, CaME also contributed towards the reversal of the disturbed antioxidant levels and peroxidative damage. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate that oral administration of CaME suppresses joint inflammation, cytokine expression as well as antioxidant imbalance, thereby contributing to an amelioration of arthritis severity in CIA rats.

Effects of Triptolide on the Expression and Activity of NF-κB in Synovium of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats

Summary： The expression and activity of NF-kB in the synovium of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） rats was detected in order to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of triptolide on rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. The experimental Wistar rat model of CIA was set up by intradermal injection of emulsion of bovine collagen 11 and the successful rate of setting-up models was evaluated by arthritis index （AI）. Rats were grouped randomly into three groups： normal, model and treatment group. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in synovial fluid was detected by ELISA, and the expression and activity of NF kB in synovium by immunohistochemistry method and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA） respectively. As compared with normal group, the expression of TNF a and IL-6 in synovia （P〈0. 05）, and the expression and activity of NF-kB （P〈0.05） in synovium were increased in model group. There was statistical difference in above-mentioned indexes between model group and treatment group. Triptolide may play a protective role in IRA via downregulating the expression and activity of NF-kB in synovium.

Prediction of Response of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats to Methotrexate： An ~1H-NMR-based Urine Metabolomic Analysis

Over one half the patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA） are being treated with methotrexate （MTX）. Although well proven, the efficacy of MTX varies in individual patients. This study examined the metabolic biomarkers that can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX by using metabolomic analysis. Rats were immunized with collagen to rapidly cause collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） and then treated with 0.1 mg/kg MTX for 4 weeks. The clinical signs and the histopathological features of CIA were observed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Urine samples of CIA rats were collected, and analyzed by using 600 M 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance （1H-NMR） for spectral binning after the therapy. The urine spectra were divided into spectral bins, and 20 endogenous metabolites were assigned by Chenomx Suite. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the spectral pattern of endogenous metabolites related to MTX therapy. The results showed that the clustering of the spectra of the urine samples from the responsive rats （n=20） was different from that from the non-responsive rats （n=11）. Multivariate analysis showed difference in metabolic profiles between the responsive and non-responsive rats by using partial least squares-discrimination analysis （PLS-DA） （R2=0.812, Q2=0.604）. In targeted profiling, 13 endogenous metabolites （uric acid, taurine, histidine, methionine, glycine, etc.） were selected as putative biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response to MTX. It was suggested that 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis can be used to predict the therapeutic effect of MTX, and several metabolites were found to be related to the therapeutic effects of MTX.

A novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug CP-25 alleviated collagen induced arthritis by down-regulating BAFF-NF-κκB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigated the regulatory effect of paeoniflorin-6′-O-benzene sulfonate(CP-25) on B cell activating factor(BAFF)/BAFF receptor-nuclear factor of kappa B(NF-κB) signaling in B cell of collagen induced-arthritis(CIA) mice.METHODS Mice CIA was induced by injection of typeⅡcollagen(CⅡ).The arthritis index(AI) and swollen joint count(SJC) were assessed,and histopathology of spleen and joints were observed.The percentage of B cells subsets,BAFF receptor expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry.BAFF and immunoglobulin(Ig) levels were measured by protein antibody array.The expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65 in NF-κB signaling mediated by BAFF were analyzed by western blot.RESULTS CP-25 decreased AI and SJC,restored abnormal weights,reduced thymus index and spleen index,inhibited T/B cells proliferation,alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joints in CIA mice.CP-25 also reduced high levels of serum BAFF and immunoglobulin,decreased CD19+B cells,CD19+CD27+B cells,and CD19-CD27+CD138+plasma cells,inhibited BAFFR and TACI expressions,decreased the expressions of TRAF2,MKK3,MKK6,p-P38,and p-NF-κB65.Compared with biological agents etanercept and rituximab,CP-25 restored high T cells proliferation and percentages of B subsets to normal level,and recovered the high levels of IgA,IgD,IgG1,IgG2 a and high expressions molecules in NF-κB signaling to normal levels.The action intensity of rituximab and etanercept was more strong than CP-25.The inhibitor effects of rituximab and etanercept on AI and SJC,thymus index,proliferation of T cells and B cells subsets were strong,and down-regulated the indexes to under normal levels.CONCLUSION CP-25 might be a promising anti-inflammatory immune and regulation drug,which alleviated CIA and regulated the functions of B cells through BAFF/BAFF receptor-NF-κB signaling.

Treatment of a mouse model of collagen antibody-induced arthritis with human adipose-derived secretions

The use of adipose-derived cells as a treatment for a variety of diseases is becoming increasingly common. These therapies include the use of cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and freshly isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) alone, or in conjunction with other cells such as adipocytes. There is a substantial amount of literature published on the therapeutic properties of MSCs and their secretions as the main driver of their therapeutic effect. However, there is little data available on the therapeutic potential of secretions from SVF, either with or without adipocytes. We investigated the ability of secretions from human adipose SVF alone and the SVF co-cultured with adipocytes as a proxy for cell therapy, to ameliorate an inflammatory disorder. This ethics approved study involved the treatment of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice with secretions from SVF, SVF co-cultured with adipocytes, or a vehicle control via both intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes. Treatment outcome was assessed by paw volume, ankle size and clinical arthritis score measurements. Serum samples were obtained following euthanasia and analysed for a panel of 32 mouse cytokines and growth factors. The dose and timing regime used for the IM administration of both human secretion mixtures did not significantly ameliorate arthritis in this model. The IV administration of SVF adipocyte co-culture secretions reduced the paw volume, and significantly reduced the ankle size and clinical arthritis score when compared to the IV vehicle control mice. This was a superior therapeutic effect than treatment with SVF secretions. Furthermore, treatment with SVF adipocyte coculture secretions resulted in a significant reduction in serum levels of key cytokines, IL-2 and VEGF, involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the SVF cocultured with adipocytes is an attractive therapeutic for inflammatory conditions.

穿石通痹汤通过调节GABRB1-SOCS1/JAK1/STAT3信号途径对CIA模型大鼠关节炎症损伤的影响

目的 探讨穿石通痹汤对胶原诱导性关节炎(Collagen II induced arthritis,CIA)模型大鼠关节滑膜免疫炎性损伤的疗效及作用机制。方法 SPF级雄性SD大鼠,体质量(200±10)g,采用大鼠尾根部注射牛CⅡ方法制备CIA模型,将成模大鼠按随机数字表法分为模型组、阳性药组、穿石通痹汤组,每组各6只,另取6只未造模大鼠作为正常组。正常组与模型组隔日予去离子水10 ml/kg灌胃,阳性药组予甲氨蝶呤注射液每周0.5 mg/kg腹腔注射,穿石通痹汤组按生药量11.2 g/kg隔日灌胃给药,连续干预4周后处死大鼠,采集血浆、膝关节滑膜及踝关节标本。以HE染色观察大鼠踝关节病理变化;采用Westernblot检测大鼠膝关节滑膜pJAK1、JAK1、p38、GABRB1的蛋白表达水平;ELISA检测血浆IL-6,STAT3,SOCS1表达水平;并采用UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS分析血浆代谢物成分。结果 与正常组比较,模型组大鼠踝关节滑膜明显增生、严重骨质破坏以及炎性细胞浸润;与模型组比较,穿石通痹汤组大鼠关节骨质破坏、关节病变整体评分明显改善。与正常组比较,模型组GABRB1、SOCS1蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.01),p38、pJAK1、IL-6,STAT3蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01,P<0.05);与模型组比较,穿石通痹汤组及阳性药组GABRB1、SOCS1蛋白表达水平均显著上调(P<0.01,P<0.05),并明显抑制p38、pJAK1、IL-6,STAT3的蛋白表达(P<0.01),且穿石通痹汤组对GABRB1的上调作用及pJAK1抑制作用显著优于阳性药组(P<0.01);血浆代谢物分析发现甘油磷脂代谢、花生四烯酸代谢、鞘脂代谢等代谢途径及其中50个代谢产物与本病发生密切相关。结论 穿石通痹汤能有效改善CIA模型大鼠关节滑膜免疫炎性代谢性损伤,其机制可能与调节GABRB1-SOCS1/JAK1/STAT3信号途径,调控脂质代谢途径相关。

诃子水提物通过上调PD-1/PD-L1表达调节胶原蛋白诱发关节炎(CIA)大鼠脾脏中细胞的细胞免疫减轻关节炎症

目的研究诃子水提取物(TCWE)对胶原蛋白诱发关节炎(CIA)大鼠细胞免疫及程序性死亡蛋白1/程序性死亡蛋白1配体1(PD-1/PD-L1)通路的影响。方法SD大鼠随机分为对照组、CIA组、TCWE处理组、甲氨蝶呤(MTX)处理组,每组15只。除对照组外,其余各组SD大鼠皮下注射Ⅱ型胶原蛋白制备胶原蛋白诱发关节炎(CIA)模型,TCWE组大鼠采用[20 mg/(kg·d)]TCWE处理,MTX组大鼠采用[1.67 mg/(kg·d)]MTX处理。处理14 d后,通过HE染色检查软骨形态,流式细胞术检测脾脏T淋巴细胞凋亡和调节性T细胞(Treg)/Th17细胞比率,反转录PCR检测脾脏中的维甲酸相关孤核受体γt(RORγt)和叉头盒转录因子P3(FOXP3)、PD-1和PD-L1的mRNA表达,免疫组织化学染色检测RORγt、FOXP3的表达和定位。Western blot法检测脾脏淋巴细胞的PD-1和PD-L1的蛋白表达,ELISA检测大鼠血清白细胞介素17(IL-17)和转化生长因子β(TGF-β)水平。结果与CIA组相比,TCWE组和MTX组的软骨和滑膜病变明显减轻,脾脏中的T淋巴细胞凋亡率增加,Treg/Th17细胞比率上调,RORγt的表达降低,FOXP3、PD-1和PD-L1的表达增加。血清IL-17水平降低,血清TGF-β水平升高。结论TCWE处理可能激活脾脏细胞的PD-1/PD-L1通路调节CIA大鼠脾脏中细胞的细胞免疫,减轻软骨损伤。

铁死亡诱导剂咪唑酮埃拉斯汀(IKE)通过抑制IL-6、CCL5及CXCL9分泌缓解CIA小鼠的肺纤维化

目的 探索铁死亡诱导剂咪唑酮埃拉斯汀(IKE)对胶原蛋白诱发关节炎(CIA)小鼠肺纤维化的作用及潜在机制。方法 选取8周龄~10周龄DBA/1小鼠,按照完全Freund佐剂(CFA)与鸡Ⅱ型胶原蛋白混合乳化方法建立CIA小鼠模型,设置对照组、 CIA组、 CIA联合IKE组。每2 d进行关节评分与爪垫厚度测量,39 d后收集小鼠各脏器组织。HE染色、番红-固绿染色、甲苯胺蓝染色评价关节处组织病理改变;Masson染色评价肺部组织病理改变。免疫组织化学染色法检测肺组织α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、成纤维细胞活化蛋白α(FAPα)、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(Col1)、白细胞介素1(IL-1)、 IL-6、 IL-17及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的表达水平;Olink mouse exploratory panel检测小鼠血清细胞因子IL-17α、 IL-17F、 TGF-β1、整合素亚基β6(ITG-β6)、 TNF受体超家族成员11B(TNFRSF11b)、 TNF受体超家族成员12A (TNFRSF12a)、 IL-6、 IL-1α、 IL-1β、 IL-10、 TNF-α、 CC趋化因子配体5(CCL5)、 CCL2、 CXC趋化因子配体9(CXCL9)、 CXCL1、烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸激酶(NADK)、促红细胞生成素(EPO)、集落刺激因子2(CSF2)、 TGF-α、 CCL20、 CCL3水平。结果 与CIA组相比,CIA联合IKE组治疗后关节炎症及关节损伤明显缓解;肺组织α-SMA、 FAPα、 TGF-β和Col1表达水平均呈下降趋势,表明CIA小鼠肺部胶原蛋白聚集减少,组织病变明显缓解;IL-6、 CCL5、 CXCL9、 IL-6水平显著下降表明CIA小鼠肺部炎症显著缓解。结论 IKE除缓解CIA小鼠关节炎症及关节损伤外,还可通过抑制IL-6、 CCL5及CXCL9表达缓解CIA伴发的肺纤维化。

程氏蠲痹汤通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路激活减轻胶原蛋白诱导关节炎(CIA)大鼠炎症

目的探索程氏蠲痹汤(JBT)对胶原蛋白诱导关节炎(CIA)大鼠治疗的可能机制。方法将雌性SD大鼠分为正常组、CIA模型组、甲氨蝶呤(MTX)组、不同剂量JBT组、LY294002(PI3K阻断剂)组。评估JBT对实验大鼠治疗前后足趾肿胀度、关节炎指数测定的影响,HE染色检测滑膜组织病变情况,ELISA检测大鼠滑膜组织匀浆中白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平。实时定量PCR检测磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)、beclin-1、P62的mRNA表达水平,Western blot法检测AKT、磷酸化的AKT(p-AKT)、mTOR、磷酸化的mTOR(p-mTOR)、PI3K、磷酸化的PI3K(p-PI3K)、P62、beclin-1、微管相关蛋白1轻链3B(LC3B)蛋白表达。结果与正常组相比,给药前1 h,其余各组大鼠足趾明显肿胀。与给药前1 h相比,高剂量JBT组、MTX组、LY294002组给药30 d后,采血前2 h足趾肿胀明显缓解。JBT能显著减轻大鼠足趾肿胀度、关节炎指数评分、滑膜组织的破坏。高剂量JBT组大鼠滑膜样本IL-1β、TNF-α水平以及PI3K、AKT、mTOR、P62的mRNA表达水平降低,p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR、P62蛋白水平明显降低,beclin-1 mRNA和蛋白表达、LC3B蛋白水平明显升高。结论JBT可能通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的激活减轻关节炎症,高剂量JBT的治疗效果与MTX、LY294002的治疗效果相当。

Effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe (养气血祛风湿方) on Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Mice under Different Genetic Backgrounds

Objective： To study the effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe （养气血祛风湿方, YQXQFS） on rheumatoid arthritis （RA） model mice under different genetic backgrounds. Methods： Collagen Induced Arthritis （CIA） were established on HLA-DR4 transgenic （TG） mice and non-transgenic （NTG） mice, which partly were raised with YQXQFS, and the onset day of CIA, the level of type Ⅱ collagen （C Ⅱ ）-reactive antibodies and the pathological scores of CIA were assessed. Results： Under HLA-DR4 TG background （compared with NTG mice）, the earlier onset day of CIA （ 11.22±3.35 days vs 16.56 ±4.75 days, P〈0.05） and higher level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies （0. 2274±0. 1390μg/ml vs 0.1101±0. 0560μg/ml, P〈0.05） were observed, but the pathological scores of CIA remained unchange. YQXQFS could not influence the onset day of CIA and the level of C Ⅱ-reactive antibodies, but had a certain effect on the total pathological scores （6.56±3.43 scores vs 11.11±5.64 scores） and bone erosion （0.22±0.44 scores vs 1.67±1.50 scores） of CIA on NTG mice （P〈0.05）, NTG YQXQFS group compared with NTG experimental group. Conclusion： YQXQFS had a certain effect on RA model, but had no significant effect on HLA-DR4 related CIA.

藏药臭蚤草不同提取部位对CIA大鼠的影响

目的明确藏药臭蚤草抗类风湿性关节炎的作用,筛选其抗类风湿性关节炎的活性部位,初步探讨其抗类风湿性关节炎作用机制。方法以牛Ⅱ型胶原与弗氏不完全佐剂建立大鼠类风湿性关节炎(CIA)模型。观察臭蚤草总提物、大孔树脂不同浓度乙醇洗脱部位及雷公藤多苷(GTW)对类风湿性关节炎模型大鼠的足肿胀度的影响,检测大鼠血清中的肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)和类风湿性因子(RF)的含量,借助滑膜组织病理学验证臭蚤草对类风湿性关节炎的治疗作用,利用Western blot法探究臭蚤草对类风湿性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织中MAPK/p38/NF-κB、TLR4/NF-κB炎症通路蛋白表达的影响,探讨臭蚤草抗类风湿性关节炎的作用机制。结果与模型组相比,臭蚤草总提取物和大孔树脂60%乙醇洗脱部位能够明显降低CIA大鼠关节肿胀度;有效改善大鼠滑膜的病理变化,并明显降低血清中炎症因子中大鼠肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)和类风湿性因子(RF)水平;明显降低滑膜组织中(TLR4、NF-κB、Myd88、p-p38、p-IκBα、iNOS等)相关炎症蛋白的表达。结论(1)臭蚤草可以缓解类风湿性关节炎大鼠的关节炎症症状,且臭蚤草60%乙醇洗脱部位为臭蚤草抗类风湿性关节炎的有效活性部位;(2)臭蚤草总提物及不同极性提取物能抑制MAPK/p38/NF-κB、TLR4/NF-κB信号通路缓解CIA大鼠的关节炎症状。

防己黄芪汤对CIA大鼠关节PI3K-Akt通路的调控作用研究

目的:研究防己黄芪汤(FHD)治疗胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠的药理学机制及其对PI3K-Akt信号通路的调控作用。方法:60只雌性Wistar大鼠随机分为健康对照组(Control)、CIA组、不同剂量FHD[2.2、4.4、8.8 g(/kg·d)]干预组。除对照组外,其余各组采用牛Ⅱ型胶原构建CIA模型,不同剂量FHD干预,持续给药6周。HE染色检测大鼠关节和脾脏病理变化,ELISA检测血清TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6表达,网络药理学分析FHD治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)的核心信号通路,Western blot检测核心通路蛋白表达。结果:与Control组相比,CIA组大鼠关节炎症细胞浸润和骨质破坏明显,脾脏内白髓增生显著,血清TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6表达显著升高(P<0.05,P<0.01);与CIA组相比,不同剂量FHD组大鼠关节炎症及骨破坏显著改善,脾脏白髓增生减轻,低、中剂量FHD组大鼠血清TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6表达显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),高剂量FHD组TNF-α和IL-1表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);网络药理学分析显示FHD治疗RA的核心通路为PI3K-Akt通路;CIA组大鼠关节p-PI3K、p-Akt表达较Control组显著升高(P<0.01),不同剂量FHD组p-PI3K、p-Akt表达较CIA组显著降低(P<0.01),各组大鼠PI3K、Akt蛋白表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:成功构建CIA大鼠模型;FHD对CIA大鼠具有良好治疗作用,其安全用药剂量为2.2~4.4 g(/kg·d);FHD可能通过抑制PI3K-Akt通路激活和炎症因子生成发挥RA治疗作用。

基于Hepcidin和JAK2/STAT3信号通路探讨通痹颗粒 对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠的影响

目的研究通痹颗粒对胶原诱导性关节炎(collagen-induced arthritis,CIA)大鼠铁调素(hepcidin,Hepc)、Janus激酶(janus kinase,JAK)2/信号转导子和转录激活子(signal transduction and activator of transcription,STAT)3信号通路的影响。方法选取36只雌性SD大鼠随机分成空白组、模型组、阳性对照组和通痹颗粒低、中、高剂量组,每组6只。空白组不予处理,其余组用牛Ⅱ型胶原建立CIA模型。造模完成后,空白组、模型组予生理盐水灌胃,其余各组分别以巴瑞替尼片和低、中、高剂量通痹颗粒灌胃。每天1次,连续4周。HE染色行滑膜组织病理学观察;酶联免疫吸附法测定血清Hepc、白细胞介素6(interleukin 6,IL-6)水平;逆转录-聚合酶链反应法测定滑膜中JAK2、STAT3、细胞信号因子传导抑制体(suppressor of cytokine signaling,SOCS)1、SOCS3的mRNA相对表达量;Western blot法检测滑膜中JAK2、p-JAK2、STAT3、p-STAT3、SOCS1、SOCS3的蛋白表达量。结果模型组见滑膜上皮结构缺损,滑膜重度增生,排列紊乱,并有大量炎症细胞浸润和多个血管翳形成;各给药组滑膜炎症均有所减轻,阳性对照组优于通痹颗粒高剂量组,通痹颗粒中、高剂量组优于低剂量组。与模型组相比,各给药组关节炎指数评分、血清Hepc和IL-6水平均显著降低(P<0.01);与阳性对照组相比,通痹颗粒中、低剂量组关节炎指数评分、血清Hepc和IL-6水平均升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,阳性对照组和通痹颗粒低、中、高剂量组JAK2、STAT3 mRNA和蛋白以及p-JAK2、p-STAT3的蛋白表达量均降低(P<0.05),而通路抑制因子SOCS1、SOCS3 mRNA和蛋白的表达均升高(P<0.05);与阳性对照组比较,通痹颗粒各剂量组JAK2、STAT3 mRNA和蛋白以及p-JAK2、p-STAT3的蛋白表达量均升高(P<0.05),而SOCS1、SOCS3 mRNA和蛋白的表达均降低(P<0.05)。结论通痹颗粒能够改善CIA大鼠滑膜炎症,其机制可能与抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路而减少Hepc的表达有关。

红景天苷对类风湿关节炎小鼠缺氧及炎性反应的作用机制

目的:缺氧是类风湿关节炎(RA)发展的重要因素,本研究旨在探究红景天苷改善RA模型小鼠缺氧和缓解炎症反应的效果和潜在机制。方法:C57BL/6小鼠被用于构建胶原蛋白诱导的关节炎(CIA)模型小鼠,并随机分为空白组、模型组、对照组、实验组。HE染色用于评价滑膜组织病理改变。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应、酶联免疫吸附测定,探究红景天苷对炎症反应、氧化应激以及脯氨酰羟化酶结构域蛋白2(PHD2)/蛋白磷酸酶2A(PP2A)/促分裂素原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号的调节。结果:与空白组相比,模型组、对照组、实验组滑膜组织存在显著的炎性浸润和缺氧反应。与模型组相比,实验组的HE染色结果表明红景天苷能明显抑制滑膜组织增殖和炎症细胞浸润(P<0.01)。ELISA结果表明红景天苷可以抑制促炎因子中肿瘤坏死因子、白介素-6的表达(P<0.01)。RT-qPCR结果显示红景天苷能够抑制缺氧诱导因子-1α并上调核因子E2相关因子2水平(P<0.01),抑制PHD2/PP2A/MAPK信号通路的激活(P<0.01)。结论:红景天苷能抑制CIA小鼠炎性反应和缺氧损伤,缓解RA的潜在机制与抑制PHD2/PP2A/MAPK信号通路激活相关。

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch under microneedles on rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Triptolide (TP), a major active component of Triptelygium wilfordii Hook.F. (TWHF), is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it has a narrow therapeutic window due to its serious toxicities. To increase the therapeutic index, a new triptolide-loaded transdermal delivery system, named triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch (TP-LHP), has been developed. In this paper, we used a micro-needle array to deliver TP-LHP to promote transdermal absorption and evaluated this treatment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TP-LHP in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The pharmacokinetic results showed that transdermal delivery of microneedle TP-LHP yielded plasma drug levels which fit a one compartment open model. The relationship equation between plasma concentration and time was C=303.59 x (e(-0.064t)-e(-0.287t)). The results of pharmacodynamic study demonstrated that TP-LHP treatment mitigated the degree of joint swelling and suppressed the expressions of fetal liver kinase-1, fetal liver tyrosine kinase-4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a in synovium. Other indicators were also reduced by TP-LHP, including hyperfunction of immune, interleukin-1/3 and interleukin-6 levels in serum. The therapeutic mechanism of TP-LHP might be regulation of the balance between Thl and Th2, as well as inhibition of the expression and biological effects of vascular endothelial growth factor. (C) 2015 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

Protective Effect of Norcantharidin on Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats

Objective： To observe the effect of norcantharidin（NCTD） on collagen-induced arthritis（CIA） rats. Methods： Sixty Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats were randomly divided into 6 groups（n=10）： normal group, CIA model group（model group）, NCTD low-dose group [1.35 mg/（kg·d）], NCTD middle-dose group [2.7 mg/（kg·d）], NCTD high-dose group [5.4 mg/（kg·d）] and methotrexate（MTX） group [1.8 mg/（kg/w）]. Anesthetized rats were sacrificed by luxation of cervical vertebra after 4 weeks of administration. The arthritis scores were evaluated twice a week. The pathological changes in the ankle joints of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（H＆E） staining. The serum levels of interleukin（IL） 1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α, vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF）, IL-17 and transform growth factor（TGF） β were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. The mRNA expression of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γ t（ROR γ t） and forkhead box P3（Foxp3） in peripheral blood lymphocytes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results： MTX and high-dose NCTD not only decreased the arthritis scores but also alleviated the pathological changes in CIA rats＇ ankle joints compared with the model group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. All doses of NCTD significantly inhibited the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in CIA rats（P〈0.05）. Only middle-and high-dose of NCTD prominently decreased serum IL-1β and TGF-β levels of CIA rats（P〈0.05）. However, NCTD has no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） level in CIA rats. The Foxp3 mRNA expression in all NCTD groups were increased significantly than in the model group（P〈0.05）. The mRNA expression of RORγt in NCTD high-dose group was decreased apparently in comparison with the model group（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： NCTD showed therapeutic effect on CIA rats by inhibition of cytokines and regulation of Th17/Treg cells.

补骨脂-淫羊藿对类风湿关节炎抗炎机制的分子对接分析:动物实验验证

背景:临床上补骨脂-淫羊藿治疗类风湿关节炎疗效明显,但两者所含有效成分复杂,在分子水平上治疗类风湿关节炎的作用机制仍不明确。目的:基于网络药理学和分子对接技术建立胶原诱导型关节炎模型,验证补骨脂-淫羊藿治疗类风湿关节炎可能的作用靶点及通路,为以补骨脂-淫羊藿为主的临床方剂使用提供可靠的实验依据。方法:借助中医药研究平台、中医百科全书和上海有机所的中药与化学成分数据库等检索并筛选有效成分,从PubChem平台获取3D分子式,通过PharmMapper和SwissTargetPrediction平台进行靶标预测;结合DrugBank、GeneCards、OMIM等基因数据库完成类风湿关节炎的疾病靶点获取,经Uniport数据库校准靶标,借助VENNY 2.1获取补骨脂-淫羊藿与疾病交集靶点并绘制韦恩图;采用STRING平台构建蛋白质互作网络图;使用Metascape平台进行基因本体论功能分析及京都基因与基因组百科全书分析,进行数据可视化,利用Cytoscape 3.9.0构建中药-成分-靶点-疾病-通路四重网络模型;运用AutoDock-Vina软件将主要有效成分与核心靶点进行分子对接验证,探索最佳结合靶点。建立Ⅱ型胶原+佐剂诱导型关节大鼠模型,用补骨脂-淫羊藿干预21 d后,观察其对相关通路靶点及炎性细胞因子的影响。结果与结论:①筛选补骨脂与淫羊藿活性成分28个,与类风湿关节炎交集靶点共288个,主要成分有异补骨脂素、补骨脂定、淫羊藿苷等;交集靶点主要有丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶1(AKT1)、肿瘤坏死因子、血管内皮生长因子A等;②基因本体论分析获得生物过程2232条,主要与丝氨酸蛋白磷酸化、AKT正调控、活性氧代谢过程等功能有关;③京都基因与基因组百科全书富集分析结果202条,主要有PI3K/AKT信号通路和表皮生长因子受体信号通路等,可能通过调节滑膜细胞凋亡与增殖、抑制炎性因子等发挥治疗作用;④分子对接结果表明补骨脂-淫羊藿主要与AKT1及雌激素受体转录因子1结合活性最强,并形成稳定结构,与PI3K/AKT等凋亡增殖、炎性介导等调控信号通路密切相关;⑤补骨脂-淫羊藿可降低胶原诱导型关节炎大鼠模型血清中白细胞介素1β、白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α的表达;⑥补骨脂-淫羊藿可调低胶原诱导型关节炎大鼠模型关节滑膜中p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-FOXO1蛋白的表达;⑦结果证明,补骨脂-淫羊藿可能经PI3K/AKT/FOXO1信号通路抑制关节滑膜细胞增殖和抑制炎性因子表达等发挥治疗作用,这可能与类风湿关节炎关节炎症和骨破坏的发生密切相关,同时为临床的合理使用及新药开发提供了参考依据。

Protective Effects of Overexpression TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 against Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） is an animal model, which closely resembles human rheumatoid arthritis （RA） in pathogenesis and pathology. Evidence suggests that the inhibition of T lymphocytes or their functions can alleviate the progression of arthritis. So the administration of arthritogenic T cell receptor （TCR） variable region peptide or DNA vaccines encoding pathogenic TCR Vβ variable region may provide useful information for designing specific immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases. Heat shock proteins （HSPs） have the function of raising antigenic immunogenicity and HSP70 has a protective effect against arthritis. We previously demonstrated the presence of pathogenic predominant T cell receptor Vβ5.2 and Vβ8.2 clonotypes in the joints of CIA rats. In this study, we constructed the recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2/8.2-HSP70, and evaluated their protective effects on CIA rats. Protective effects were observed in CIA rats by injecting these recombinant DNA vaccines, which could alleviate arthritis index, decrease the levels of IFN-~ and anti-CII antibody in serum, and increase the levels of IL-4. Pathological changes were not as serious as those observed in control CIA rats. The rat injected with two combined vaccines showed better protective effects than CIA rats administered with individual vaccine. These results showed that recombinant DNA vaccines pTARGET-TCR Vβ5.2-HSP70 and pTARGET-TCR Vβ8.2-HSP70 could significantly alleviate the arthritic symptoms of CIA rats, and better protective effects could be achieved if these two vaccines were used in combination. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.

Inhibitory Effect of the Extract of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht Root on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Objective： To investigate whether the dried root of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht（Phellodendri cortex; PC） extract improves arthritic symptoms through anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects in collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Methods： Rheumatoid arthritis（RA） was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with type Ⅱ collagen（ColⅡ）. CIA mice were divided into 5 groups（n=10 per a group） with normal, CIA control, PC extract（50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg）-treated, and meloxicam（50 mg/kg）-treated as the reference drug. The PC extract or meloxicam were administered orally in CIA mice once a day for 14 days after arthritis induction. Arthritic score, levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a antibody, prostaglandin E2（PGE2）, tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α, and interleukin（IL）-17 in the sera of CIA mice were measured. Histopathological changes in the ankle joints of CIA mice were also analyzed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin（H and E）, safranin-O and immunohistochemistry using anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17 antibodies. Results： The arthritic score was increased in CIA mice in a time-dependent manner, as were the serum levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a antibody, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17. However, the oral administration of PC extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg in CIA mice significantly decreased the arthritic scores, and the serum levels of anti-ColⅡ IgG2a, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17 compared with those in the CIA group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Furthermore, histopathological improvement of the joint architecture in CIA mice was observed after administration of PC extract. PC extract also significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-17 in the joints of CIA mice by suppressing the expression of their m RNA and proteins. Conclusion： PC extract may improve the pathological progression of RA through the inhibition of joint destruction by synovial inflammation and immune-stimulation, therefore, it would be a potential anti-arthritic agent in RA.

Therapeutic Effect of Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective： To study the effect of oral administration of dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate （DDB） on adjusting angiogeneic/inflammatory mediators and ameliorating the pathology of bones in rats with collagen-induced arthritis （CIA）. Methods： Wistar rat model of CIA was set up using bovine collagen type H. Fifty rats were divided into five groups randomly： normal, CIA model, DDB treatment, methotrexate （MTX） treatment, and combined DDB＋MTX treatment. Ankle joints of rats were imaged with digital X-ray machine to show the destruction of joints. Fore and hind paw and knee joints were removed above the ankle joint then processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, platelet derived growth factor, interleukin-8 （IL-8）, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）, and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nitric oxide levels were detected by Griess reagent. Results： Compared with the CIA model group, a remarkable reduction in various angiogenic （VEGF and IL-8） and inflammatory mediators （TNF-α, IL-4 and COX-2） after treatment with DDB either alone or combined with MTX （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Histopathological and X-ray findings were confirmatory to the observed DDB anti-arthritic effect. The DDB-treated group showed amelioration in signs of arthritis which appeared essentially similar to normal. Conclusion： Our data shed light on the therapeutic efficacy of DDB in experimental rheumatoid arthritis （RA） compared with a choice drug （MTX） and it may be offered as a second-line drug in the treatment of RA.